Hiker’s Journey to Ladakh

On some of our explorations, there may be some rough off-trail footing and sections of steep ascent and descent. This trip is best suited for people who have a good sense of balance and experience hiking in the high mountains.

We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. We will be above 10,000 feet throughout this trip, and some people experience problems when they first reach high elevations. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.

Ladakh is a high-altitude realm, like Tibet. The weather will likely be quite comfortable, with blue skies most days, but nights can be very chilly. At high altitude, weather is always unpredictable, and the effect of the wind-chill factor can create extra-cold conditions. In Delhi, it will be very hot and humid, with a high chance of rain, since it’s the monsoon season (but a great time to be in Ladakh).

The hotels we use on this trip are the best available accommodations chosen for their atmosphere and location. They range from very comfortable hotels to a basic lodge in the Nubra Valley. They all have comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

We will be traveling in Toyota Innova vehicles. There is a significant amount of road travel on this journey, some of it on winding mountain roads or gravel tracks. On our driving days, there are usually basic bathrooms available during our stops, but there will be occasions where you will have to find a private spot along the road.

We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.

Ladakh is an exciting destination, and while tourism is growing, the infrastructure remains limited (particularly felt by travelers on the bumpy roads!). Essential requirements for travel in Ladakh are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected.